Your Hunter Valley Magazine | May-June 2022 by WCP MEDIA

The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country | MAY-JUNE 2022 | ISSUE #199

F lying High OVER WINE COUNTRY

CLIMATE CHANGE AND WINE

TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND WINE COUNTRY

MIXING IT UP! THE BLEND TREND

IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: PH +61 2 4943 2888 www.yourhuntervalley.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au WCP MEDIA 297 Brunker Road Adamstown, NSW 2289 MAY–JUN 2022 Copyright © 2022 WCP Media Published monthly by WCP Media All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, WCP Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

A WORD FROM THE EDITORS

May–June Autumn is a time of transformation in the Hunter Valley. The recent rains turned our vistas a vibrant green, and the long rows of vines transformed from their deep emerald to a multitude of red, orange and purple shades before the leaves began to fall, ready for the Winter months (and a good prune!) It’s a beautiful time in the Valley, and the wines that come with this particular season are as varied as the colours of the falling leaves. A changing climate is nothing new to agriculture, but the severity of change has become a prominent concern for vignerons around the country. Never has this been more apparent than in the last few years, when our wine regions have been battered by bushfires, drought and, more recently, flooding deluges. What also has been apparent is the commitment and dedication to the craft of winemaking in the beautiful Hunter Valley, determined to negate the effects of climate change and continue creating some of the country’s best wines. Read more on page 26. This month we focus on blended wines. Blending wines of different varieties and vineyards has been practised for centuries. It involves combining different wine varietals to create

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE From 17th May 2022 until the 15th June 2022 inclusive, or while stocks last. COVER IMAGE

a rounded, flavoursome and distinctive wine that is better than any of the wines separately on their own. We look at the ‘Blend Trend’ and some of our favourite drops this month. Read more on page 28. Hot air ballooning has been around since 1783 when a rooster, a duck and a sheep went for a 15-minute test ride in France! Luckily visitors to the Hunter Valley don’t have to share a basket with farm animals and get to fly with the world’s best pilots at Balloon Aloft! This month we spoke to a few of the Balloon Aloft pilots to find out all about the exhilaration of floating above our beautiful vineyards, how they got hooked on hot air ballooning and, of course, the upcoming World Hot Air Ballooning Championships. Read more on page 12. For the first time in 2 years, this month, we increased the number of pages dedicated to upcoming events in the Hunter Valley! What a joy it is to see annual events returning and new events making their debut. We encourage all of our readers to get out there and soak up the fun.

Enjoy!

is What’s in th Issue?

magazine

for visitors

to Hunter

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Valley Wine

OVER WINE

Country

| MAY-JUNE

Flying High Over Wine Country

Taste Your Way Around Wine Country

Big RAM Beer & BBQ Festival 2022

Beenatree Creations

Delicious Meals And Extensive Retail Therapy At The Gardens

Annual Exhibition Set to Wow Visitors

Put a Local in Your Pocket and Find Savannah Estate

Mixing It Up! The Blend Trend

Wine Blends Top Drops

Your Hunter Valley Map

#199 2022 | ISSUE

High

COUNTRY

IT UP!

CHANGE CLIMATE AND WINE

What’s On in May & June Hot in the Hunter

The No.1

WAY TASTE YOUR WINE COUNTRY AROUND

MIXING TREND THE BLEND

GET MOBILE! View this month’s issue of Your Hunter Valley Magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au/read-online

3 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

On? WHAT'S

Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region

FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU

May + June ONLI

Markets

At Kevin Sobels Wines SAT 28 MAY; SAT 11 & SUN 12 JUN; 9am–2pm

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate

Slow Food Earth Market At The Levee, Central Maitland

At McGuigan Wines

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MAY & JUNE Handmade in The Hunter Markets

BOONKE

Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Hunter in this exquisite Wine, Cheese & Chocolate tasting. Relax in a private tasting area with a dedicated wine expert who will help you explore the exceptional wines that have made McGuigan one of the most awarded wineries in the world. You will enjoy a selection of the best seasonal, hand-crafted cheeses from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, plus carefully selected hand made chocolates by artisan chocolatier Maître Pâtissier complementing a range of premium McGuigan dessert and fortified wines. Cost – $25pp pre-paid reservations for parties of 1 to 6 people. Visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on Visit Us to book.

Image: The Levee Central Maitland

THURS 19 MAY; THURS 2 & 16 JUN 8:30am–1:00pm

Broke Village Markets At Stewart McTaggart Park

The Ultimate Margan Experience Margan Wines & Restaurant, Broke EVERY FRI–SUN IN MAY & JUNE Take a tour of the kitchen garden, vineyards, and winery at Margan Wines. This is all hungry work, so the experience continues with a five-course degustation lunch in their incredible restaurant with a preview tasting of their premium White Label and Aged Release wines. Tickets are $140. Book online via www.margan.com.au

SUN 5 JUN – 8am–1pm

Tasty Food Market At Kevin Sobels Wines

SUN 22 & 29 MAY – 9am–2pm

Maitland Community Markets At Maitland Showground SUN 5 JUN – 9am–2pm

(PLEASE CHECK SOCIALS FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS)

Weekends @ Saddler’s Saddler’s Creek Wines, Pokolbin

Firelight Festival and Firewalk

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY Enjoy a 'Premium Wine Tasting' or 'Wine & Chill' in the outdoor wine garden while enjoying local live music and casual eats from 11am–3:30pm every weekend. Their very own Saddler’s Food Van will be serving delicious casual eats prepared by the chefs at Vincent Street Kitchen + Bar.

Singleton Town Centre SAT 14 – SUN 22 MAY Singleton’s historic Dunolly Bridge and Cook Park precinct will be brought to life with a series of immersive displays of laser lights and projections that showcase the story of Singleton, engaging visitors in an unforgettable sensory experience. The must-see spectacular is on nightly from 14 – 22 May. Local food trucks will be serving delicious street eats on Saturday 14 May and Thursday 19 May from 5:30–8pm. On Saturday 21 May the heart of Singleton will light up with a modern celebration of arts, music, food, fire and fun. Ignite your senses with vibrant fire performances and soak up the live entertainment including laser and light shows in Burns Lane. There’ll be fire dancers, kid and teenage entertainment, and live music. Each event is free however it is ticketed. Book your ticket here by visiting www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/842/Firelight

Human Remains – Catapult Dance Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland FRI 20 + SAT 21 MAY Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub performs Human Remains, a critical and playful glance at humanity in the 21st century. To book tickets visit www.catapultdance.com.au

Chardonnay, Art & Antipasto Winmark Wines, Broke

Port & Cheese Tasting Tintilla Estate, Pokolbin DAILY UNTIL THE END OF JUNE Enjoy a tasting of four Tintilla Estate Ports each paired with delicious local cheese from Binnorie Dairy. It’s the ultimate combination!

DAILY UNTIL 26 JUNE Start your journey at Winmark with a barista coffee from the Coffee Cart before being taken on a personal tour of the art gallery and sculpture park in the Winmark golf buggy and finish at the cellar door for a wine tasting of stunning premium Chardonnays. Be presented with a chilled bottle of 2019 Rusty’s Run ready for your enjoyment

along with a sensational antipasto grazing box filled with delights enough for 2 hungry people! The cost is $160 for 2 people. To book visit www.winmarkwines.com.au

Wine Tours & Transfers

Experience the best the Hunter Valley Vineyards have to o�er with a DriveUNow Tour or Transfer. We cater for small groups of 1–6 or 7–10 passengers. We also o�er a VIP Vintage Rolls-Royce tour for two. Bookings are essential.

Ph 0477 626 942 www.driveunow.com.au 5 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

Maitland Taste

IMAGE: THE LEVEE CENTRAL MAITLAND

The Levee, Maitland FRI 20 – SUN 22 MAY Maitland Taste is a celebration of great food, wine and produce from the Hunter Region and surrounds. Held over three days, the festival will have a focus on sustainability with Maitland Taste stalls and activities featuring local, regional and organic produce. The program includes gourmet food and artisan

Hunter Deluxe Experience De Iuliis, Pokolbin

markets, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids activities and more.

DAILY UNTIL THE END OF JUNE The perfect experience for a passionate wine lover! Go behindthe-scenes with De Iuliis wine and experience their winemaking process. Afterwards, indulge in the perfect pairing with a wine and cheese tasting using local producers Hunter Belle and De Iuliis’ exceptional Hunter grown wines. The cost is $45. To book visit www.dewine.com.au

Wine Tasting Discovery Talits Estate, Broke EVERY FRIDAY – SUNDAY UNTIL THE END OF JUNE Join Talits Estate for their wine tasting discovery of seven wines from the Talits Estate range including the popular Rosé of both still and sparkling variety, as well as Blanc de Blancs, Semillon, Chardonnay, Sangiovese Merlot and Estate Merlot. For those looking to stay a while, they

offer cheese and charcuterie platters, beer on tap from their in-house brew, Broke Brewing and entertaining lawn games for young and old.

Saddler’s Creek Wines, Pokolbin

Bluegrass Through the Years

EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL THE END OF JUNE Guided by a Saddler’s Creek wine expert, enjoy a flight of six red wines from their iconic Bluegrass Collection featuring new release and cellar release wines spanning 10 years. Each wine is paired with a small bite from the Degustation Tasting Plate. To book your tasting, visit www. saddlerscreek.com/events

Red Wine & Dine Restaurant Kawul, Rothbury

FRI 20 & SAT 21 MAY Head to Restaurant Kawul for a Calais Estate Red Wine inspired four course dinner. Each course is matched with the perfect wine. Whilst enjoying your meal, watch the sunset overlooking the vineyards and mountain range, then retire by the fireplace with a heart-warming Muscat. Visit www.kawul.com.au to book.

Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show Maitland Showground, Maitland Fri 27 – Sun 29 May Over three huge days, the show will feature 200 exhibits plus a 4WD display, camp oven cooking, fishing show, reptile awareness show and a freestyle bike show. Perfect for the whole family. Book your tickets online at www.ruralscene.com.au

The Cheesiest

Platter Of Your Dreams! Cheese Made Onsite – See our Cheesemakers in Action! Complimentary Cheese Tastings 7 Days Award Winning Cow and Goat Cheeses Grab-and-Go Cheese Boxes Local Wine, Coffee and Tea

OPEN 10AM–5PM 7 DAYS | Ph 4998 6660 | www.binnorie.com.au

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Grapest 5K Run Dalwood Estate, Dalwood

BESPOKE CRAFTS PHOTOGRAPHY

SAT 4 JUNE Who said you can’t drink wine and exercise? Experience a great evening with a little fitness and lots of fun. Work up a thirst with the 5k or 10k run through amazing wineries then enjoy a cool down through the wine tasting waddle to re-energise yourself before some grape dancing with live entertainment as the sun goes down.

Smoke in Broke McNamara Park, Broke SAT 11 + SUN 12 JUNE Experience every BBQ lovers dream, a weekend of BBQ, beer, wine and music. An event for the whole family, there will be a Steak Cookoff on Saturday and the ABA BBQ Competition on Sunday.

Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival

The Cellar Restaurant delivers modern contemporary Australian cuisine, utilising local and seasonal quality ingredients. Dine in our indoor garden setting or outside in the courtyard.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Lovedale SAT 18 JUNE The 10th annual Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival will take place within the grounds of the picturesque Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. There will be an extensive array of wine, gourmet food, beer and cider on offer with family friendly activities, light entertainment throughout the day and plenty of taste sensations to choose from.

Try our NEW MENU! Located at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin

Phone 4998 7584 LUNCH from 12pm Mon – Sat; DINNER from 6pm Mon – Sat

www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au 7 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

WHAT'S HOT IN THE

Hunter

VI S I T

Your Local Transfer and Tour Operator The award-winning team at DriveUNow have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the best places to visit in Wine Country. Choose from one of their Hunter Valley tours which includes several wineries where you can taste locally produced wine, cheese and chocolate from the area’s favourite producers, or create your own exclusive tour with cellar doors and providores of your choice! In addition to their ever-popular wine tours and if you’re after something a little different, DriveUNow also offers pub crawls and ghost tours! They also offer the convenience of airport, cruise ship, concert and sporting event transfers from the lower Hunter, Newcastle, Central Coast to Sydney. DriveUNow is your local transfer and tour operator! Visit www.driveunow.com.au/hunter-valley for more information.

Australia’s Premier Soft Cheesemakers If you’re looking for award-winning, melt in your mouth cheese, look no further than Binnorie Dairy! Producing all their cheeses on-site ensures visitors get to experience cheesemaking first-hand. If you're lucky you may even be able to spot the cheesemakers at work through the viewing window! Stop in for a complimentary tasting between 10am and 5pm, seven days a week. Pick up your favourite styles of cheese to take home or grab a picnic box and wander out onto the deck to enjoy the tranquil view or better yet, bring a picnic blanket and spread it out under the shade of a gum tree. You’ll find Binnorie Dairy at 25 Lodge Road, Lovedale.

Handmade Chocolate Gelato • Gifts ACCOMODATION

DINING

Harrigan’s is THE PLACE to catch up, enjoy delicious food, watch your favourite sport with a beer & have a well deserved getaway. All in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

SPORTS BAR

FUNCTIONS & EVENTS

30+ Fudge Flavours Located in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last 20 years. Visit us at one of our 2 great locations on Broke Road to indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience!

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

To make a booking visit harrigans.com.au or call 4998 4300 and speak with our friendly staff.

OPEN 7 DAYS Twenty-3-Twenty (2320 Broke Rd) • Peterson House

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN

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DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Ph 4998 6999 | www.hvchocolate.com.au

RS EDITI O CK P

M AY

Hospitality The Hunter is Famous For… When visiting Wine Country, The Deck Café Lovedale and Gartelmann Wines are unmissable. Begin your morning at The Deck Café with everything from light snacks to hearty breakfasts on the menu. Enjoy freshly made scones, Belgian waffles, a brekky burrito, or their cure to a big night, the Hangover Roll. If you’re after something to fill you up for a full day of wine tours, look no further than the mouth-watering Wood Roasted Salmon or Big Breakfast. The Tapas menu available for lunch is ideal for sitting back and relaxing with friends as you take in the incredible view. Just next door, Gartelmann Wines has earned a reputation for producing high-quality award-winning wines – from classic Hunter Valley Semillon, Verdelho and Shiraz, to alternative varietals such as Petit Verdot and a selection of dessert wines. Stop in for a wine tasting or blending masterclass. Savour fine wines and delectable dining 7 days a week at 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale.

The Perfect Wine Country Dining Experience

OPEN 7 DAYS

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

Hunter Farm is home to... • 4 Pines at The Farm – Taproom • The Barrel Bistro • Hunter Farm Wines & tasting • Hunter Farm & Adventure Centre incl. farm animals, segway & horseriding • Hunter Valley Resort

Tyrrells Hunter Gardens/ Cessnock Deasys Road THE FARM/ HUNTER VALLEY RESORT Old

Nort

h Ro

Singleton/ Branxton

Broke Road

Mistletoe Lane

Hermitage Road

éléments serves up the perfect Wine Country dining experience. Chef Michael Watson has created a menu influenced by the flavours of France and Italy. éléments signature dish - duck confit has been an inspiration throughout Michael’s career and takes a different form across the seasons. This season the confit duck maryland is paired with truffle croquette, pickled vegetables and orange jus. To enhance the dining adventure, the éléments menu has been paired with the finest Hunter Valley wines. Whilst you dine from the delectable menu inside the boutique interior, you can overlook the stunning view of manicured gardens with a feature fountain. éléments offers a unique space to dine and engage. Situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley, éléments is open seven days for breakfast and a la carte dinner. Book online at www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au/hunter-valley-restaurant or call 02 4998 2000.

TABLE RESERVATIONS

New England Highway

917 Hermitage Road Pokolbin www.huntervalley.com.au | (02) 4998 7777 9 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

TA ST E

EXPLORE

Photo credit: AFTERNOON RENDEZVOUS | Original artwork by ARC Associate Living Master Artist Stephen Jesic.

A Long-Standing

Reputation for Excellence If you’re looking for exceptional modern contemporary Australian cuisine, you can’t go past The Cellar Restaurant. Utilising local and seasonal quality ingredients, there are options to suit all palates. Their new menu boasts Tagliatelle, Lamb Ragu with Mint Yoghurt and Pomegranate; Spiced Cauliflower, Filo and Cabbage with a Chickpea Dressing; and Duck Breast, Peanut Butter, Feijoa, Fennel and Licorice with a Kaffir Lime Sauce. Conveniently based in the centre of Pokolbin, The Cellar Restaurant is just a short walk away from the Hunter Valley Gardens. The restaurant itself is stunning, featuring an indoor garden and an option to sit outside in the courtyard. Bookings are recommended. View the new menu and make your reservation at www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au

WE BELIEVE IN THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. THEY JUST NEED TO BE AMAZING.

Be Awestruck at Morpeth Gallery A leisurely 45 minute drive from Wine Country, Morpeth Gallery boasts an incredible range of artwork by recognised and internationally awarded artists. Visitors to Morpeth Gallery are usually awestruck by the calibre of art they see on the gallery walls. The first floor of Morpeth Gallery features traditional Australian landscape and wildlife art with the ground floor home to Morpeth Gift Gallery where you’ll find well-appointed giftware including prints, tea ware, jewellery, handbags & wallets, skin care, unique men’s gifts, candles & educational toys. Morpeth Gallery is part of the Campbell’s Store complex which includes Morpeth Gourmet Foods, Morpeth Antique Centre & The Servant’s Quarter’s Tearoom. Morpeth Gallery is open Thursday to Sunday and public holiday Mondays 10am – 5pm. Entry is free.

V I NEYARD

Boutique Hunter Win es

The Oakey Ridge CSG

SMART CASUAL RESTAURANT ALSO AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS, EVENTS, PRIVATE FUNCTIONS LOCATED AT POOLES ROCK/COCKFIGHTERS GHOST VINEYARD 576 DE BEYERS ROAD, POKOLBIN Ph 4998 7776 | info@huntersquarter.com.au www.huntersquarter.com.au

OPEN LUNCH FRI, SAT & SUN; DINNER FRI & SAT

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A skilful blend of hand-picked Chardonnay and Semillon from our estate vineyard along Oakey Ridge, with the addition of some Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris. A wonderfully fresh white wine with a complex and pleasing aroma. It shows lovely citrus, stone fruits and pears on the palate. This is surely a great wine for all occasions!

2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings Sat & Sun, 10am 4pm www.kelmanvineyard.com.au Small groups welcome – call 0492 993 282

Aus-Asian Infusion at Joy Luck Located in the Australian Railway Hotel Cessnock, Joy Asian Restaurant offers a mix of country bistro with Asian flavours. The iconic building on the corner of Vincent Street is owned by the Lorchaiwet family, who also own the Hunter Valley’s famous Oishii Japanese & Thai Restaurant at Roche Estate Pokolbin. The menu features all your favourite Asian cuisine, including Chicken and Prawn Dumplings and Pad See Ew Prawn. In addition to the delicious Asian menu, you’ll also discover classic Bistro favourites with everything from burgers and fried chicken to pizza and wraps. The family-friendly venue has a kid’s playground so the little ones can burn off some energy while you enjoy great food and a drink from the traditional bar. Dine-in on Sundays and the kids eat free (one child receives a complimentary children’s meal with every full-priced adult’s meal). Or join the team every Tuesday night for Pizza and Pints! Visit www.railwayhotelcessnock.com.au to book a table or order takeaway.

AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN

You’re always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

There is nothing quite like a fes�ve sushi pla�er to impress your guests. It tastes healthy, light and delicious. A favourite dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Always fresh... Always vibrant Open 7 days for Lunch and Dinner. Takeaway available 7 days. Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rd’s Pokolbin, NSW 2320

PH 02 4998 7051 www.oishii.com.au

/OishiiPokolbin

ASIAN KITCHEN

Amazing Asian Food

Live Music Entertainment FRI – SAT 6pm – Midnight SUN Midday – 4pm

DINE-IN AND TAKEAWAY 220 Vincent St, Cessnock www.railwayhotelcessnock.com.au 02 4990 1070

11 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

Flying High Over Wine Country WORDS LIANE MORRIS

Hot air ballooning has been around since 1783 when a rooster, a duck and a sheep went for a 15-minute test ride in France under the supervision of scientist Francois Pilatre De Rozier, but it wasn’t until the 1960s when an American named Ed Yost came up with the brilliant idea of using propane as a fuel source, that the sport really took off. So, when Graeme Scaife went on a balloon ride with his airline pilot friend in the late 1980s in the UK, ballooning was still a rare occurrence – something that not a lot of people did. Graeme was hooked after that one exhilarating experience and went on to found the second balloon flight company ever established in the UK and operate the leading balloon flight company in Australia.

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In 1986 Graeme got his licence and began flying privately. He ran a photographic company, but with the advent of digital technology, his business was changing rapidly, and he was looking for another opportunity. In 1987, with his new love of flying balloons and the fact that it was still a fledgling activity, he decided to try establishing a business, The British School of Ballooning, providing hot air balloon rides from a number of sites across Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and the business boomed. In 1999 Graeme purchased Hunter Valley Ballooning, a similar business to the one he ran in the UK, from a friend diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, his friend passed away six months after the purchase. Graeme was now operating out of Australia as well as the UK. In 2007 he purchased his biggest competitor, Balloon Aloft, from Peter Vizard. Balloon Aloft was the original balloon flying company in Australia. Around the same time, Matthew Scaife, Graeme’s son, started working in the business, enabling his father to spend six months of the year in the UK and six months of the year in Australia. Over time, running the UK outfit became exhausting because it was like having to start the business afresh every six months, and so, after nearly 30 years, the decision was made to focus entirely on Australia.

Balloon Aloft is very much a family company. Matthew has been flying since he was six years old and grew up with it being a central part of his life. He gained his licence at 21 and is now three times Australian Balloon Pilot Champion. He met his wife in 2005 when working in Canberra for a different company. Nicola had left university and had taken a job as part of the ground crew. She fell in love with the sport (and the man) and went on to challenge the male-dominated industry by becoming the Women’s World Champion twice over. “My goal is not only to be the best female but also to be a competitive pilot in open competitions and to challenge the men,” said Nicola. “Every day, I think about how lucky I am to have my office in the sky and to be able to work in what is my passion.” The couple were married in 2012 and moved to the Hunter Valley in 2013. They now have two children - Hugo, eight, who took his first flight at age two and a half and his little sister Wren who is four years of age and began flying a year ago. “No doubt the kids will get their licence one day,” said Matthew. “They are in such a privileged position to be able to do so; I can’t imagine them not flying.” Balloon Aloft flew out of the Hunter Valley and Camden right from the beginning, but expansion was always on the cards. In 2014 they started flying out of Mudgee, and in 2020 they established themselves in Byron Bay. COVID has created a feast or famine situation for the company. With so many people unable to travel overseas, more and more were focusing on regional tourism. This created a backlog of bookings followed by nothing during lockdowns. Typically, in any given year, the company would fly approximately 11,500 people, but from July 2020 to July 2021, they flew 14,000 people across all their sites.

The company has 32 balloons in total. They’re made by Kavanagh Balloons in Sydney, who is one of the best manufacturers in the world. Balloons cost from $50,000 for a small private balloon to upwards of $200,000 for big commercial balloons. Matthew claims that he doesn’t take much time off work – working in the business during the week and flying on the weekends. There are 68 people on staff with 18 pilots. “I love what I do for a job – it doesn’t feel like work,” said Matthew. “It’s so rewarding to be part of other people’s special occasions. Everyone is happy and excited. I feel very privileged to be able to share in these moments. Mind you, the 3am wake up calls and the weather challenges keep me on my toes.” This passion for the job is shared by Sam Huggins, another one of Balloon Aloft’s Senior Area Pilots. Sam moved to the Hunter Valley area to study to be a high school teacher at Newcastle University. He took a part-time job on the ground crew at Balloon Aloft and promptly fell in love with balloon flying. His boss offered to teach him to fly in 2014, and he’s never looked back. With just six months left to complete his degree, he was offered the chance to take a job as a pilot. “It was a tough choice,” said Sam. “The position was vacant and needed to be filled, and there was no guarantee that if I said no, there would still be a position waiting for me after the last six months of my degree. I took the leap, didn’t finish my degree, and have no regrets. I simply want to fly balloons every day!” “I love it because it’s the best time of the day – watching the sunrise thousands of feet off the ground, interacting with clients who are all in good spirits. They are there to have a good time and have lots of fun. It doesn’t feel like it’s work.” Sam also enjoys his other role at Balloon Aloft in landowner relations. It is part of his role to liaise with local farmers and vineyards to enable the company to use their land for flights. Location is critical to the balloon flying experience, and according to Sam, the Hunter Valley is one of the best locations to fly in. Every year the company puts on the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta, usually over the long weekend in October. The festival includes up to 30 hot air balloons from all around the country, taking off together at sunrise and filled with awe-struck passengers in what is a once in a lifetime experience. Back on the ground, the celebrations continue with (Continued next page) F

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(Continued) gourmet food and wines. The highlight of the Balloon Fiesta over recent years has been the Hunter Valley Night Glow, where tethered balloons are lit up in a vivid display of fire and colour, all choreographed to music. The family-friendly event includes market stalls, live music and fireworks. The Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta is not, however, taking place in 2022. The World Balloon Championships have been scheduled in Slovenia over the October long weekend, and with a team of six talented Balloon Aloft pilots participating in the competitions, the event is unable to proceed this year. “The past two years have been cancelled due to COVID,” said Matthew. “We’re devastated to have to cancel a third year in a row, but the good news is that we promise the 2023 event will be back bigger and better than ever before.” In the meantime, passengers are filling up flights seven days a week, weather permitting. The one-hour flights take off at sunrise and fly over the spectacular vineyards of the Hunter Valley – floating over the picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more. Back on land, passengers celebrate with a sparkling wine tasting and gourmet breakfast at Peterson House and Restaurant Cuvee. Passengers also receive a complimentary digital photo album as a record of their special event. The whole experience takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and prices start at $289 per person. Exclusive flights are also popular, particularly with loved up couples – perhaps to pop the question or celebrate a private moment in their lives. Exclusive flights are available from $1699. There’s even a special proposal package that includes flying in a love heart balloon, sharing champagne and chocolates during the flight and a proposal banner. For a small group experience for 4 to 6 people, prices begin at $2800 – a great teambuilding exercise for work colleagues, a small hen experience for brides to be or a family birthday celebration. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the Hunter Valley, the sensational experience of floating high above an awe-inspiring landscape needs no special occasion as an excuse. It’s the perfect way to make your visit to the Hunter Valley memorable or celebrate where you live.

TAKE $20 OFF www.balloonaloft.com

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Flight and Flexi Tickets with Promo code Take20.

T WO E XPERIENCES...

NEW

Programme , Activities and Animals

Hunter Valley

! n o i t a c o e n L O

AT HILLTOP Wine Country’s Native Wildlife Sanctury • Lovedale’s Hill Top Farm Stay Pony Rides • Pony Parties • Family Rides • Sunset Rides Picnic Rides • BBQ • Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Farm Animals Spectacular Valley Views • Riding over 300 acres • Personalised Rides Trail Rides for Adults and Children, for Beginners and Experienced Riders ATV Sunset Tours with Wine & Cheese • Marriage Proposals Weddings on Horseback • Peddle Go Karts for Ages 5 – 99 Years ATV Tours to see the Breeding Barn and Cattle Run Book your accommodation and meals created by Executive Chef Len O’Mally, Horse Riding and activities - Phone 0417 233 008

For Bookings Phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 Stay & Play at Hilltop 288 Talga Road, Lovedale So close to all of Wine Country’s attractions, yet you feel a million miles away..

GARTELMANN WINES Voted one of the Top 10 Cellar Doors to visit in the Hunter Valley, Gartelmann Wines specialise in fine hand-crafted wines using grapes sourced from some of our most famous wine regions.

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 21 dealers

And The Servant’s Quarters Tearoom, all under one roof. All things Ancient, Antique, Vintage, Retro, Heirloom, Collectable.

THE DECK CAFÉ LOVEDALE Take time to taste the delights of The Deck Café. Start your day with an extensive breakfast menu or long lunch the day away with a Mediterranean inspired Tapas Menu that’s worth savouring well into the afternoon. 701 LOVEDALE ROAD, LOVEDALE

CELL AR DOOR OPEN 7 DAYS

OPEN Thursday to Sunday, 10am–5pm Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day

175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

PH 4930 7113 | WWW.GARTELMANN.COM.AU

THE DECK CAFÉ

BREAKFAST & LUNCH 7 DAYS

PH 4930 9007 | WWW.DECKCAFELOVEDALE.COM.AU

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FRENCH PATISSERIE HIGH TEA • PASTRIES COFFEE & TEA AB O UT G IG I & CHIX BONBON We are a contemporary Parisian Patisserie specialising in delicious pastries that not only taste delightful but look fabulous as well. The menu includes light meals, brunch, high tea, French pastries, coffee from the grounds of Alexandria, local and imported wines, handmade chocolate and treats for dining in or take away. We also serve ice cream and cheese. We are committed to never compromising on taste and delivering something that you just won‘t find anywhere else.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL visit our website to book online.

AT H UNTE R VALLEY GARDENS S HOPPING VILLAGE OPEN Wednesday–Friday 9am–4pm Saturday 9am–3.30pm | Sunday 9am–3pm Closed Monday & Tuesday (Open Monday during School Holidays) PH 02 4998 7050 | info@gigichix.com.au

www.gigichix.com.au

yhv 16 | MAY-JUN 2022

Taste Your Way

Around Wine Country Where there is great wine – great food usually follows, and the Hunter, with a reputation for being the home of great Australian wines, is also one of the finest, most authentic culinary destinations in Australia. With the rise of gourmet tourism being one of the biggest travel trends globally, Wine & Dine Hunter Valley takes food and wine tourism to new heights by exposing the hands-on experiences, the hidden gems, unique wine tastings and the pockets of culinary excellence that only the locals know about. Available in print and digital format and widely recognised as the leading guide to local wine and food experiences, Wine & Dine Hunter Valley has been guiding visitors on their tasting journeys throughout Hunter Valley Wine Country for over ten years. It includes a comprehensive listing of cellar doors, restaurants and cafés, providores, craft breweries, distilleries, wedding venues and more. Looking for something in particular? A new and exciting feature of the publication is the recently added 'Tasting Trails', which are helpful for those wanting to know where they can go for Brekkie or Brunch or explore Beer & Cider, Sparkling Wine, Rosé, Distilleries and Art & Wine trails. The Wine & Dine online guide to Hunter Valley wine and food includes Wine and Food Trails for each of the wine-producing regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Broke-Fordwich, Mount View and Wollombi, as well as 'interactive' listings for each of the cellar doors, restaurants, providores, breweries and distilleries in those areas. Online users can also access the fully interactive digital magazine – explore each of the distinctive wine-producing areas and 'click' on any of the listings to access further information. Tour the various trails online at home or on the go on your mobile device. You can also make a restaurant or wine tasting booking online to save time and ensure your Hunter Valley holiday is unforgettable. Wine & Dine Hunter Valley, with its unique food and wine trails, provides the perfect blend of travel and taste and is the best and only way to plan a trip, punctuating the journey with memorable wine tasting and dining experiences. To experience the flavours of the Hunter Valley, pick up your copy of Wine & Dine Hunter Valley at Visitor Information Centres, accommodation providers, cellar doors, restaurants and cafes or any other tourist attraction. Alternatively, scan the code to plan your trip to some of the best wineries, restaurants, cafés, providores, craft breweries and distilleries around. There really is no better way to plan your way around Hunter Valley Wine Country and make the most of your stay.

A DAY OF TASTE SENSATIONS

AND FUN FOR ALL The 10th annual Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival is on again! To be held within the grounds of the picturesque Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Saturday, 18 June, festival-goers will be spoilt for choice with a true Hunter Valley Experience. There will be an extensive array of wine, gourmet food, beer and cider on offer, and visitors can enjoy live music and wine tasting' expressions sessions' with local producers throughout the day. Of course, the kids haven't been forgotten, with kids' activities including a jumping castle, face painting, carousel and station train. With family-friendly activities, light entertainment throughout the day, and so many taste sensations to choose from, it's a great day out for the whole family. So why not spend the day in the Hunter Valley and bring the kids along too! The Schwartz Family Company is dedicated to supporting local communities and industry and is proud to be able to create such an event aimed at bringing together the best that the Hunter Valley has to offer. For more information, visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com.

B R AT I N

CELEB R AT ING TH E BE ST OF TH E H UN TER

HUNTER VALLEY

WINE& BEER FESTIVAL

YEARS

CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY

SATURDAY JUNE 18 2022 11am - 5pm $15 + BF* ONLINE OR $25 + BF* ON THE DAY * Booking Fee

WWW.HUNTERVALLEYWINEFESTIVAL.COM

50+ BEER & WINE STALLS WINE, BEER & CIDER TASTINGS GOURMET LOCAL FOOD LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE

s ’ sall er tt Ta

NEW LOOK!

HOTEL GRETA

88 High Street, Greta | Ph (02) 4938 7302 | OPEN 7 DAYS

olives, olives, olives Come visit us for a range of Estate Grown Olives, Tapenade and local olive oils or a Cheese platter on the deck with a glass of wine

Bookings are a MUST!

725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley www.tintilla.com.au #tintillaestate 17 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

Big RAM Beer & BBQ Festival 2022 Attention Beer, BBQ (and big truck) lovers! It’s time to leave the house and head to the Hunter for the Big RAM Beer & BBQ Festival at Hope Estate. This annual extravaganza will be held over two big days, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May, showcasing all that’s great about beers and BBQs (and that’s a lot!) With over 40 varieties of beer to taste, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find IPAs, Lagers, Porters, Ciders and a range of increasingly popular Sours for those who like to live adventurously. Also returning are sanctioned rounds of the Steak Cookoff Competition (Saturday) and the Australasian BBQ Alliance Cookoff (Sunday), and an array of BBQ food vendors. Think smoked ribs, brisket and lamb on a spit. Yum! New event partners RAM Truck Australia will bring an extra attraction to the Festival.

Stock up for Autumn

at The Garden Cellars Purchase 12 Garden Cellars wines for only $144.

“This year’s festival is shaping up to be a “cracker” with RAM joining as our event partner. We had great feedback from the first Festival and RAM’s involvement this year promises to add that extra wow for attendees,“ said Michael Hope, owner of Hope Estate. With such a broad appeal, the Festival is expected to bring a volume of travellers to the valley - all keen for a big weekend of smokers, roasters, spits, big trucks, fantastic beer and BBQ delights. And, of course, the mechanical bull! The Festival will also include a display by RAM Trucks Australia as well as some special guests hosting demonstrations and masterclasses. It’s going to be a great day out! Taste the beer, talk to the brewers, watch the BBQ masters at work, see the big trucks up close and learn something new at one of the masterclasses. Or you could just kick back, relax and listen to some live music while enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Hope Estate. The choice is yours. WHAT: Big RAM Beer & BBQ Festival WHEN: Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 May | 10am–5pm INFO & TICKETS: www.hopeestate.com.au/hvbeerbbqfestival

New Garden Cellars

Spirit Range NOW AVAILABLE In Store!

alley Hunter V irit d Sp Wine an tastings ! daily available

THE GARDEN

CELLARS yhv 18 | MAY-JUN 2022

You will find us at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village Broke Road, Pokolbin OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5pm | PH 4998 7466 www.gardencellars.com.au

MEET THE MAKER

OPEN DA ILY FR OM 9PM

Beenatree Creations Beenatree Creations was so named because every item was once – well – a tree. This month we caught up with owner and creator Jan Mikula in between stints at Pokolbin’s Handmade in the Hunter Markets to find out how he got into creating such cool stuff. HVMag: Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into woodworking and running a market stall? You pronounce my name yarn (Jan), and I’m married to an amazing woman, Anna. We live in Warners Bay with two Leonbergers (Henry and Lucy). I’ve been in sales most of my working life, which comes in handy when running the market stall. I honestly never thought that I would make this my full-time job, as I only got into woodworking to give it a go and see if I could make some cool stuff. I make a range of different items, everything from timber earrings to bottle openers, spoons, butter knives, bowls, resin eggs and vases. I also make wombats! (Editors note: a Leonberger is a giant fluffy dog!) What is the story behind your wombat carvings? My mother-in-law knew that I liked wombats and sent me a picture of a carving she had seen. I hadn’t started carving at that stage, so I thought I would give it a go and put my own spin on it. The response was overwhelming, especially after I donated a couple for fundraisers to ACT Wildlife after the bush fires. They took some photos with a wombat that one of the carers was looking after, ‘Wilbur’, and I started getting orders from all over the world. I mostly use camphor laurel as the colours and figures in the wood are amazing, and I get a lot of it from a sawmill up north that works with landcare clearing of farmers' properties and planting native trees. It has been a fantastic learning curve, with a few visits to the ER, but it’s one I’m happy to have found, and it’s one I am sticking with! What do you like most about the Handmade in the Hunter Markets? I think people are moving back to buying unique, handmade products – which is precisely the purpose of these markets. I also enjoy meeting the visitors and talking about what they do. You’ll find Jan (pronounced yarn!) at Handmade in the Hunter Markets, in the grounds of Kevin Sobels Wines on Broke Rd. Upcoming market dates are: Sat 28 May, Sat 11 June and Sun 12 June.

A naturally beautiful experience in the heart of Wine Country There’s something for everyone in our award-winning Gardens, with over 14 hectares, eight kilometres of walking paths within ten individually themed Gardens showcasing the artistry of gardens around the world using both native and exotic varieties of plants. The Gardens are a place for the appreciation of nature,

COMING SOON!

great opportunity Snow Time in the Garden is a together and for families and friends to get . ure ent adv experience an icy For details visit hvg.com.au

For information and online tickets visit

hvg.com.au

02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin No entry to the Gardens after 4pm. Admission charges apply. Terms and conditions of entry apply. Admission charges apply. Rides are only open during event periods. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance or if COVID19 restrictions change.

19 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN Specialising in quality products made from fibre grown in Australia and manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and Peru. BYVONNE Come in and see their impressive collection of unique and handmade gifts and memorabilia while you experience the friendly service from a small family business that takes pride in everything it offers. THE CELLAR RESTAURANT Offering modern contemporary inspired cuisine focusing on flavours and textures in elegant yet relaxed surroundings.

Delicious Meals and Extensive Retail Therapy AT THE GARDENS Amid the vines of the beautiful Hunter Valley, you'll find a destination that's more than just a great shopping experience at Hunter Valley Gardens (HVG) Shopping Village. Boasting a unique collection of bespoke shops offering everything from delicious meals, lunchtime treats, coffee and wine to stunning glassware, giftware, antiques, jewellery and unique clothing, HVG Shopping Village is ideally located just outside the entrance to Hunter Valley Gardens. HVG Shopping Village is surrounded by its own beautiful gardens and features its own children's playground, BBQ and picnic area adjacent to Aqua Golf and Putt-Putt. There is so much to see and do - here's a taste of what you'll find when you take some time out and start exploring.

GIGI & CHIX BONBON FRENCH PATISSERIE A contemporary Parisian Patisserie specialising in delicious pastries that not only taste delightful but look fabulous as well! THE GARDEN CELLARS If you want to taste some delicious boutique wines, beers and liqueurs head into The Garden Cellars. You’ll be sure to find a delicious tipple that takes your fancy. SMALL MOUTH VODKA Their motto is "a small mouth doesn't have room for just anything", and that's reflected in the carefully selected premium ingredients they use, the handcrafted distillation process, and the smooth finish in every sip of Small Mouth Vodka. EDEN GROUNDS Guests can enjoy alfresco dining on their large outdoor dining deck or the main dining room if you are looking for something cosier and more private. HUNTER VALLEY TOY CHEST Full of great ideas for the perfect birthday or Christmas present! THE STORE POKOLBIN At The Store Pokolbin, you'll find all the essentials you would expect to find in a modern convenience store and some unexpected treats. KISSOFIRE An Australian family-owned company specialising in unique handmade delicious liqueurs.

the perfect wine country dining experience located onsite at mercure resort hunter valley gardens, open seven days for breakfast and a la carte dinner to make a booking visit mercurehuntervalley.com.au or call (02) 4998 2000 corner of broke & mcdonalds road, pokolbin

yhv 20 | MAY-JUN 2022

EDEN GROUNDS

PEPPERS CREEK ANTIQUES An exquisite array of fine and antique jewellery set amongst a collection of beautiful antique furniture and tapestries collected from the world's four corners. THE ELEPHANT SHOP Loved by generations and stocking a range of crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstone jewellery, salt lamps, selenite, decorative homewares, soapstone items, books and personal care products. DAISY LANE GIFTS Daisy Lane Gifts stocks a vast selection of giftware, including board games, puzzles, greetings cards, candles and diffusers from popular brands Ecoya, Jessica Bear and Peppermint Grove, plus ornamental glass, wine glasses, Turkish lamps, dinnerware and much more! JOLIE HAIR BEAUTY & MAKEUP A full-service salon, Jolié also specialises in wedding hair and makeup, offering in-salon or mobile wedding services if you prefer to get ready for your big day in your own space. EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND COMPANY Exquisite jewellery is a fashion favourite, and if you want to splash out on luxury goods, head straight to The Exclusive Diamond Company. HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS SHOP If you love decking the halls at Christmas you'll want to visit this shop. Hunter Valley Christmas Shop carries a curated selection of Christmas decorations you won't find in any big chain store. SOUTHON STYLES Southon Styles offers the latest fashions with new stock arriving daily and has also launched its own label, exclusive to Southon Styles. POKOLBIN PHARMACY The first pharmacy to be opened in the heart of Pokolbin, offering expert pharmaceutical advice and services.

BRITISH LOLLY SHOP Stocking a range of quality confectionery and gourmet products from the UK.

ELEPHANT SHOP

WILSON & HUNTER Wine Country's go-to fashion destination with a beautiful collection of handbags, shoes, jewellery and stylish fashion. TASTE OF THE COUNTRY A delicious menu featuring Nana's famous scones and speciality options for Coeliac customers and a wide range of teas and coffees. There's also a small but select list of local wines by the glass or bottle. You'll find HVG Shopping Village at 2090 Broke Road Pokolbin or online at www.huntervalleygardens.com.au

Small Mouth has you covered this Autumn... Passionfruit Martini The queen of the fruity cocktails, bursting full of passionfruit �avour that looks and tastes sensational! Ingredients • 30ml Small Mouth Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka • 90ml pineapple juice • 1 cup of ice • Fresh passionfruit for garnish

Instructions 1. In a cocktail shaker combine ice, Small Mouth Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka, and the pineapple juice 2. Shake vigorously 3. Strain the ice and pour into a martini glass 4. Garnish by carefully placing half of a passionfruit on top

Order our products now to make this cocktail at home with FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $40! It couldn't be any easier! Small Mouth Vodka is a small family run business that specialises in Shimmering Vodka and Gins – handcrafted from only premium and organic ingredients. We boast full �avour with a long smooth �nish in every sip of our Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. We try to show even the non-spirit drinkers that with our products its di�erent, that it is smoother and overall a more enjoyable experience than our competitors.

smallmouthvodka.com

Find us at

HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS SHOPPING VILLAGE, BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN. For any bookings phone 0492 031 862 or email info@smallmouthvodka.com

SmallMouthVodka

21 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

A GOLDEN PAIR (GOLDEN WHISTLERS) BY JAMES HOUGH

ANNUAL EXHIBITION set to WOW visitors Morpeth Gallery’s Feathers & Fur Exhibition has become one of the most noteworthy events in the art calendar, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of international wildlife art.’ But here in the Hunter, we like to refer to the annual Wildlife Art show of the year as the ‘Animal Archibalds!’

yhv 22 | MAY-JUN 2022

The subjects may not be famous, however many of the artists have won multiple awards on the international scene and will be in residence, painting at their easels across the June long weekend (11 – 13 June). Entry is free, and the exhibition will be open between 10am and 5pm daily. Each artist will have new paintings and exclusive merchandise available. The Hunter Valley Finch Club will also be showing their amazing collection of finches during the exhibition, with artists working alongside the finch breeders so that visitors can appreciate the pint-sized birds both on canvas and in real life. “Live finches are normally very difficult to see in the wild. They are small birds and fly very fast, travelling up to 14 kilometres to their feeding grounds. And when you only weigh 10 grams, you are tiny and difficult to spot,” said Gallery Owner Trevor Richards. Playing an integral role in helping to increase awareness of endangered species, the Feathers & Fur Exhibition also utilises the power of art to celebrate wildlife, support awareness and raise funds for endangered species across Australia. “It seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us,” said Trevor. Amongst the artists in residence will be Australia’s finest wildlife artist, James Hough. James is the official artist for Australian Geographic and has also been awarded two gold medals for the best wildlife painting in the world. James says that the close interaction he has had while painting many endangered species has helped further open his eyes to the importance of the conservation effort needed for the future. Also exhibiting is Stephen Jesic, who has won the best wildlife painting in the world five out of the last eight years. Stephen will exhibit just one new artwork at the show, which has already been sold for $160K! You will find Morpeth Gallery at 5 Green St, Morpeth. For more information about this and other upcoming exhibitions, visit www.morpethgallery.com.au.

LL OPEN A ong June L d Weeken

· OVER 50 INDIVIDUALLY CREATED DESSERTS · DESSERT + WINE /LIQUOR PAIRINGS · GLUTEN FREE + VEGAN AVAILABLE · SABOR’S OWN COFFEE · HOT, COLD + ALCOHOLIC DRINKS · TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN · E-GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE! For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor Dessert Bar is a MUST! Indulge in our multi-award winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, decadent cakes, pastries, hand-made chocolates, Portuguese tarts and gourmet ice-cream. Bookings are recommended – visit our website or call us for same day bookings.

OPEN Thursday & Friday 10am–4.30pm | Saturday 10am–5.30pm Sunday & Monday 10am–4.30pm

PH (02) 4013 5095 | www.sabordessertbar.com.au

23 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

PUT A LOCAL IN YOUR POCKET

And Find...

Savannah Estate A short trip to the Hunter Valley will no doubt leave you wishing you'd allowed more time to experience and taste the region's delights. You may be surprised to learn that Wine Country boasts more than 150 cellar doors and over 60 restaurants. You may just need some help getting the most out of your time here! The mobile optimised Hunter Valley Guide (www.huntervalleyguide.com.au) requires no app downloading or updating and is always available to help guide you to your next favourite winery or restaurant.

The Next Generation of Hunter Valley Wines Wine Tastings, Cheese Platters& Artisan Pantry

312 Mount View Road, Mount View | 02 4990 6326 | www.savannahestate.com.au | wine@savannahestate.com.au

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Savannah Estate lies at the gateway to beautiful Mount View, which boasts some of the most stunning views of the Hunter Valley and is the perfect first stop on any wine tour. While it is close to Cessnock and has easy access for travellers, it will feel like you're a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the main drag. Producing quality wines from small select parcels of premium fruit grown in renowned viticulture areas that best reflect their regionality and character, Savannah Estate was named after Savannah Peterson, a thirdgeneration winemaker who grew up on her family vineyards and has since taken over management of the estate. Savannah embraces wine and food with the same intensity and passion as her forbears and can usually be found hard at work with Gary Reed, who has been the Chief Winemaker across Savannah Estate and Petersons Wines for more than 30 years, to produce new and alternate varieties and styles that include Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Marsanne, Rose, Chambourcin, Durif, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz as well as a Sparkling White and Sparkling Malbec. When you get to know the Peterson family history, it's clear their wine is derived from an intense passion and love for the winemaking industry and their close ties to the Hunter wine region. There's nothing like a romantic country scene to help you relax, enjoy the view and, most importantly – drink wine! With a curated selection of delicious wines to choose from and cheese plates to pair – make sure you don't skip a visit to Savannah Estate. Scan the code and use it while you're on the go in Wine Country to get directions to your favourite winery, book a restaurant, wine tasting or tour, get a wine trail map or find out what's going on in your area; we've put it all in the palm of your hand.

f o b u H The the Hunter 25 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

PHOTO CREDIT: DI VON ESSEN

CLIMATE CHANGE

Impacting Wine As We Know It

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN The global wine industry has been forced to evolve more in the last 20 years than ever before. In 2017, wildfires destroyed nearly 250,000 acres of land across the Napa Valley in California, while extreme freezes are the new norm all over France. More recently, in Australia, lengthy droughts and massive wildfires have devasted wine regions throughout the country. Wine regions in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria have all been affected. This includes Hunter Valley, Canberra, Rutherglen, Gippsland and Adelaide Hills. Over the years, winemakers have learned how to deal with the effects of the extreme and hotter weather – by watering the vines more frequently (if they have water available), by more effectively managing the vine canopies to provide optimal leaf shading for the bunches, by

Photo: DNSW Cassandra Hannagan

There is no doubt that there is still much climate change denialism. But for many industries, and especially those working in the global wine industry, climate change is a harsh reality. A changing climate is nothing new to agriculture, but the severity of change has become a prominent concern for farmers. Prolonged drought, spring frost, hotter than average temperatures, unseasonal rain events and hailstorms and a deterioration of seasonal predictability are all challenges facing the grape growers of today.

A RT G A L L E RY | S C U L P T U R E WA L K | C E L L A R D O O R Spanning 130 breathtaking acres, Winmark is not just a premium Chardonnay producer, but a destination designed to connect guests with nature, art and the vineyard. The former award- winning vineyard has been re-established and is once again producing exceptional Chardonnays.

The Winmark Art Gallery has opened alongside the new Cellar Door, overlooking grounds that are a wonderland of their own. Come for a barista coffee, explore the Art Gallery, discover extraordinary installations in the Sculpture Park and stay for a chardonnay tasting. You are always welcome at Winmark.

A R T G A L L E R Y A N D C E L L A R D O O R O P E N 7 DAY S T: 02 9997 5373 | E: info@winmarkwines.com.au | 229 Wollombi Road, Broke NSW 2330, Australia @winmarkwines | winmarkwines.com.au

yhv 26 | MAY-JUN 2022

mulching their vineyards to retain moisture in the soil beneath the vines and by doing whatever is required in to minimise soil moisture loss. Some are even switching their vine plantings to cooler and less exposed parts of their properties. Climate change is increasingly a significant challenge in wine production, and the frequency of extreme climatic events (hail, flooding, drought) is likely to increase. Depending on the region and the amount of change, this may have positive or negative implications on wine production and quality. What is clear, though, is that adaptation strategies are needed to continue producing high-quality wines, and new research indicates that substituting the traditional grapes varieties for other more drought and heat-tolerant varieties could offer a way forward for winemakers. But for a winegrower, simply switching to a more heat-tolerant variety is not an easy decision and requires replanting vines—which would take more than ten years to establish. The accelerating effects of climate change are forcing the wine industry to take decisive steps to counter or adapt to unpredictable weather patterns.

Growing Grapes in Places Previously Considered Unsuitable On the flip side, climate change has made winners out of some regions. As the climate has warmed, regions that were once considered too cold are showing evidence they can also produce fine wine, as long as the other elements are in order. Germany’s Rieslings and the Loire Valley’s Cabernet Francs are enjoying more reliable harvests year after year than they were even a decade ago. England is another example, where English sparkling wine is challenging Champagne. And closer to home in Australia, winemakers are now increasingly looking toward investing in regions such as Tasmania, which is producing some outstanding Shiraz, typically considered a warm–climate variety.

Seeking Higher Ground In some parts of the world, producers are planting vineyards at altitudes once considered unsuitable for growing wine grapes. There are no hardand-fast rules that limit the altitude at which grapes can be planted. It ultimately depends on a region’s climate, the quality of light, quality and type of soil, access to water and the variety of grapes. But as the earth has warmed, vineyards are moving higher.

Experimenting and Planting with Alternative Grape Varieties It has become apparent within the Australian wine industry that there is a growing need to identify and cultivate alternative grape varieties that are better suited to the ongoing challenges of the Australian climate (and changing consumer palate), with wine researchers investigating heat and drought tolerant grape varieties from other regions. Throughout Australia, wineries are responding to climate change by reducing their carbon footprint, practising more environmentally friendly viticulture, adapting their methods and planting different grape varieties that include (amongst others) Barbera, Nero d’Avola, Grenache, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Vermentino and Mencia. Over the next few years, you can expect many of these wines to become increasingly known and popular with wine drinkers and close the gap on some of the mainstream varieties.

27 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

MIXING IT UP!

The Blend Trend B

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

lending wines of different varieties and vineyards has been practised for centuries. It involves combining different wine varietals to create a rounded, flavoursome and distinctive wine that is better than any of the wines separately on their own. From Cabernet Merlots to Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, winemakers worldwide are becoming more adventurous and innovative with their blending techniques – creating wonderfully unique wine blends to entice the palate.

If there were any rules in the winemaking game, it's becoming clear that they were made to be broken. Winemakers in the New World are increasingly creating daring blends from grapes not traditionally combined, creating new and exciting flavour and aroma profiles. Why? Wine blends tend to offer more complexity than single varietal wines, and many excellent wines, whether from Rioja, Bordeaux, Champagne, California, South Africa, or Australia, thrive on blending. Wines can be blended from multiple vintages of the same grape from the same vineyard; the same grape variety from a different region; two or more different grape varieties; or a combination of red and white grapes. Some of the world's and Australia's greatest wines are made from a blend of grapes rather than a single varietal - including the great Bordeaux and Rhône red blends of France. It's also no secret that Penfold's Grange, Australia's most revered red wine, is a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blend made with grapes from a variety of South Australian wine regions. Another example is Champagne - this most famous sparkling wine blend

yhv 28 | MAY-JUN 2022

uses two or more grape varietals. However, the grape varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier are the only ones allowed to be used in French Champagne. At its most basic, winemakers blend wine made from different grapes to add more complexity to the flavour and texture of the wine. Both reds and whites can be made from blends of varietals. In some cases, they may even blend whites and reds to create the best possible combination of aromas and flavours. An example of this is blending the white Viognier variety with Shiraz – resulting in changes to the final colour intensity and flavour of the wine. Perhaps the most famous white wine blend (at least in Australia) is Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is more aromatic, juicy and intensely flavoured, while Semillon adds a richer body, lower acidity and slightly savoury notes - two sides of a coin that complement each other perfectly. In Australia, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are two main red grape varieties that form the base of most red blends, and these are often blended together to produce some of the greatest Australian wines ever made. These wines are complex and robust with incredible ageing potential. Often the two varieties are taken from different regions to create extra levels of ripeness and layers of complexity Apart from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon's main blending partner is usually Merlot, sometimes with lesser amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Each of these blending partners brings something unique to Cabernet-based blends: Merlot adds richness, along with plum and violet characters and a silky texture; Cabernet Franc gives an aromatic lift and tight pepper, spice and red berry characters; Malbec gives weight and dark fruit flavours while Petit Verdot delivers fragrance and rich dark fruit flavours. Australian Shiraz makes a great red blending partner and provides numerous flavour and texture options that are multiplied exponentially by the variety of regions and blending possibilities. There are many Shiraz Grenache blends now available, and many feature Mourvèdre. These blending partners come together to make medium to full-bodied wines that are spicy, complex and with enough structure to age well into the medium term. Sangiovese is another wine that is often blended with Shiraz. The savoury nature of the Sangiovese grape is enriched by the bold and robust nature of Shiraz, coming together to create a rich, complex and spicy wine. It's an exciting time for Australian wine. Australian blends are tasting better than ever, and winemakers are becoming ever more adventurous - producing modern Australian wine styles that are stimulating palates around the world with intricate and exciting flavour combinations that assure an exciting future for the Australian wine industry.

Blends – TOP DROPS DE IULIIS LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga 2019 Trophy winner of the ‘Best Single Vineyard Red’ at the 2021 Hunter Wine Show. Planted in 2008 on the heavy clay soils of our family vineyard this wine has become a signature for De Iuliis. This unique blend of savoury Hunter Shiraz and aromatic Touriga Nacional is well balanced, with structure and complexity. TASTING Medium red, with a vibrant purple hue. Aromatics of intense cherry spice and potpourri. A rich palate of boysenberry, plum and blackcurrants framed by savoury earthiness. Finely grained tannins, ripe plums and blackberries round out the long palate. FOOD MATCH BBQ Beef brisket cooked low and slow, with smoky baked beans and creamy mash PRICE $40 CELLARING Drinking well now but will continue to improve with 5 plus years further cellaring.

TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES Wine Lovers Full House The 2019 Wine Lovers Full House’s vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, harvested between late February and March. The grapes are grown in the cool climate vineyards of Wrattonbully, SA and Central Ranges, NSW. TASTING Perfumed with blackcurrant and dark cherry. The palate is spiced plum and vanilla. FOOD MATCH Best paired with late nights and laughter. PRICE $24 CELLARING Up to 5 years, keep away from strong light, at a cool, contact temperature <15°.

ADINA VINEYARD James Peter ‘The Cabernets 2016’ This wine is a further development of the highly regarded style we have been producing since 2005. Its base is a blend of Hunter estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines, each of which were matured in French and American oak barrels prior to the final blending. The wine has been given further complexity by the addition of a small percentage of our estate Shiraz. TASTING The combination has produced a smooth and beautifully balanced dry wine with distinct blackberry and raspberry flavours, together with overtones of herbs and eucalyptus. This is a sophisticated red wine that is drinking superbly and is developing well in the bottle. FOOD MATCH Pair with Asian style pork chops or perhaps delicious barbeque pulled pork sandwiches PRICE $40 CELLARING It already has some age and will cellar well for at least another 5 years.

TALITS ESTATE 2019 il Gallo Canaglia [the rogue rooster] In the foothills of Broke Fordwich, long hot summers make premier Sangiovese and Merlot. Unlike our friends in Tuscany, we believe blending them 50:50 tastes just right. Gracefully old and low-yielding vines have produced a dry & savoury wine with balanced tannins, gentle oak and elegant notes of cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf. Enjoy slightly chilled (if you so desire…) TASTING Vibrant acidity, dry and savoury wine with balanced tannins, gentle oak and elegant notes of cherry, raspberry and tomato leaf. FOOD MATCH Match with rare steaks, roasted chicken, rustic roasted pork mushroom dishes, gnocchi with sage and butter, red chicory with aged pecorino. PRICE $35 CELLARING Cellar for 5 to 15 years

BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD 2021 Tempranillo Shiraz Made in the traditional Spanish ‘Joven’ style. Minimal oak treatment used with the purpose to express the fruitfulness of the Hunter grown varieties. Can be served chilled or room temperature. TASTING Out of the ordinary for a Tempranillo dominant wine. Ripe cherry and assorted red berries with a subtle earthiness on the nose. A little lighter on the palate however held together by crunchy acidity and soft tannins. FOOD MATCH Smoked brisket or woodfired pizzas. PRICE $25 CELLARING Drink now or cellar up to 5 years.

HUNGERFORD HILL Heavy Metal Shiraz Cabernet 2019 The Heavy Metal is a quintessential Australian blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, sure to satisfy those always on the hunt for bigger styles of red. The 2019 vintage produced fruit of excellent quality, so you can expect powerful blackcurrant alongside toasty vanilla oak, all wrapped up in finegrained tannins. TASTING Alluring bright ruby hues. Gentle pine needles accented with mint and cassis on the nose. Powerful blackcurrant fruit pops on the palate revealing fine tannins integrated with vibrant sustained fruits and a lingering vanilla finish. FOOD MATCH With a Shiraz Cabernet blend, it's tough to go past a classic pairing of barbecued meats. Whether it's beef steak, lamb sausages or kangaroo, the wine's powerful fruit will complement the bold flavours and smokey char perfectly. PRICE $55 CELLARING Cellar for 5 to 10 years

29 | MAY-JUN 2022 yhv

TO SINGLETON

PUTTY RD

TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

RD KE BRO

K d

Visitor Information Cessnock Airport

e r t s Road

Fleming St

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

LOVEDALE ROAD

DRIV NTRY OU C E Fletcher St

Lomas Lane

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Halls Rd

WOLLOMB I RD

POKOLBIN2

ad Ro rs ye e eB

De Beyers Rd

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

N WI

Campbells Lne

d oa sR Olsen Road

n do Lon

e Lan rs ajo

De Beyers Road

’s R

Londons Rd

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

Tho mp son

Hungerford Hill

Binnorie Dairy

Lodge Road

D e Beyers Road

Ekerts Road

McGuigan Wines

Handmade in the Hunter + Tasty Food Markets at Kevin Sobels Wines

LOVEDA

Winmark Wines

Australian Alpaca Barn Harrigans Hunter Valley

Peterson Wines

Balloon Alo� Mee�ng Point HV Chocolate Co.

BROKE

Hunter Dis�llery

BROKE ROAD

E IV DR

De Iuliis

�léments

Sabor Dessert Bar HV Chocolate Co.

Oishii Japanese Thai

Hope Estate Dis�llery & Brewery

MCDONALDS ROAD

BROKE ROAD

Gigi & Chix Bonbon

Gillards Road

Brickmans Lane

Adina Vineyard

The Deck Café

Gartelmann Wines

TO NEWCASTLE

TO BRANXTON MAITLAND MORPETH

MORPETH

Talits Estate

< 15KM >

The Cellar Restaurant

Small Mouth Vodka

Roche Estate

Green Lane

LOVEDALE

Wilderness Road

Talga Road

HV Horseriding and Adventures

TO WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

Australian Alpaca Barn Morpeth An�que Centre & Campbell’s Store Morpeth Gallery

St Swan

The Garden Cellars

Australian Alpaca Barn

C NE Palmers Lane

Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village

OU NT R

Fleet St

Drinan St

ER HUNTER RIV

TO MORPETH RD EAST MAITLAND

Running M ILL Horse BR O D Wines ALE RD

HERMITAGE ROAD Palmers Lane

TO GRETA MAITLAND, THORNTON

D HWY

Lions Park

POKOLBIN1 (NORTH)

B lackburn

15 Wydnham St

To Tattersall’s Hotel (Greta) To Mortels (Thornton)

NEW ENGLAN

Tuckers Lane

BRANXTON

Sta�on St

Deasys Road

d oa sR asy

Coulso nR

Road rth No

k St

Thompsons’s Rd

Hunter Valley Resort/Hunter Farm Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School 4 Pines at The Farm Hunter Farm Wines Barrel Bistro

Sweetwater Road

Old No rth Ro

Old

Huntlee Tavern

TO BRANXTON

ST BRIDGE

TO SINGLETON

Ro ad

DR IV

Lan

rth

CLIFF ST

Tin�lla Estate

AY W SS E PR EX

Mistle to e

k Hill Rd Ironbar

C O UNTRY Tan

Spa/Health Retreat

oad Camp R

Markets

R TE

Gourmet Produce

TO SINGLETON

N HU

Shopping

WI NE

Cellar Door

Restaurant

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 k Rd Par onix Phe

O LE R

A E

A N

McCarthy Rd

NG SSI RO SC E N

X 7

4 Pines Brewing Co. - at The Farm G5 Hope Brewery K12 Hope Dis�llery K12 Hunter Dis�llery K6 Small Mouth Vodka K9

DISTILLERIES/BREWERIES

Hunter Valley Resort F5 Ta�ersall’s Hotel Greta B16 Winmark Wines L4

STAY

Binnorie Dairy J17 Campbell’s Store (Morpeth) C18 HV Chocolate Co. K13/J14 Sabor Dessert Bar K13 Tin�lla Estate E4 The Deck Café F18

GOURMET PRODUCE

4 Pines at The Farm G5 �léments K10 Gigi & Chix Bonbon K10 Harrigans Hunter Valley L9 Hunters Quarter M9 Huntlee Tavern A12 Joy Asian Kitchen S19 Oishii Japanese Thai K11 Sabor Dessert Bar K13 Ta�ersall’s Hotel Greta B16 The Cellar Restaurant K10 The Deck Café F18

nt B

Talits Estate K2 Tamburlaine Organic Wines M10 The Garden Cellars K10 Tin�lla Estate E4 Winmark Wines L4

KM < 30 D A RO

adee n Rd

Adina Vineyard H17 Briar Ridge S12 De Iuliis K6 Gartelmann Wines F18 Hope Estate K12 Hungerford Hill K14 Kelman Vineyard Q14 McGuigan Wines K10 Mount Pleasant Wines Q9 Running Horse Wines J3 Saddlers Creek Wines Q13 Savannah Estate Q13

Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12 Tasty Food Markets K12

MARKETS

Balloon Alo� (Pickup Point) K14 Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes F5 HV Horseriding & Adventures D17 Hunter Valley Gardens K10 Hunter Valley Wine Theatre F5 Hunter Valley Wine School F5 Morpeth Gallery (Morpeth) C18

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Australian Alpaca Barn K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Campbell’s Store (Morpeth) C18 Hunter Dis�llery K6 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18 Small Mouth Vodka K9 The Garden Cellars K9

SHOPS

TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY

Winmark Wines (L4)

TO QUORROBOLONG

Joy Asian Kitchen

ABERDARE ROAD

TO ABERMAIN KURRI KURRI MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

RESTAURANTS/CAFÉS

PAY d ar Ced C r e e k R

Narone Creek Rd

Str ee t

CESSNOCK

AD R O We s t A v e

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

OAD MAITLAND R

GREAT NORTH ROAD TO SYDNEY VIA PEATS RIDGE

WOLLOMBI ROAD

M ou

Ke nd all

D ER AL D AN

24.5K M>

Bimb

AL L

NULKABA

WOLLOMBI

Big RAM Beer & BBQ Festival, Hope Estate (K12)

ht R

MOUNTVIEW

Briar Ridge

Mount View Rd

MOUNT VIEW ROAD

Kerlew Street

et tre tS en c n St Vin rwi Da

and

rig

Peterson Wines

Savannah Estate

Saddler’s Creek Wines

Marrowbone Road

Kelman Vineyard

O’Connors Road

l ber Cum

CELLAR DOORS

Balloon Aloft (K14)

Mount Pleasant Wines

Pokolbin Mountains Rd

OAKEY CREEK ROAD

(SOUTH)

<2 4.5 K

CDONALDS RD

O P

WO LL

O X

Hunter Valley Wine Country The home of Sniff...Swirl...Sip.

IMAGE: CESSNOCK CITY COUNCIL

Let

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